Strong's Lexicon spermologos: Babbler, seed-picker Original Word: σπερμολόγος Word Origin: From σπέρμα (sperma, meaning "seed") and λέγω (lego, meaning "to gather" or "to say") Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "spermologos," as it is a term specific to Greek culture and language. However, concepts of idle talk or gossip can be found in Hebrew scriptures, such as in Proverbs 18:8, which speaks of the words of a gossip. Usage: The term "spermologos" is used to describe someone who picks up scraps of information or ideas, akin to a bird picking up seeds. It carries a derogatory connotation, implying superficiality or a lack of depth in understanding. In the context of the New Testament, it is used to describe someone who is seen as a gossip or a person who speaks without substantial knowledge. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "spermologos" was a term used to describe individuals who gathered bits of information from various sources without truly understanding them, much like a bird picking seeds from the ground. This term was often used to belittle philosophers or speakers who were perceived as lacking original thought or depth. In the context of the New Testament, it reflects the skepticism and dismissive attitude of the Athenians towards new or foreign ideas, particularly those that challenged their established beliefs. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sperma and legó (to pick out, same verb as legó but with a different mean.) Definition a seed picker, fig. one who picks up scraps of knowledge NASB Translation idle babbler (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4691: σπερμολόγοςσπερμολόγος, σπερμολογον (σπέρμα, and λέγω to collect); 1. picking up seeds: used of birds, Plug. Demet. 28; Athen. 9, p. 387 f.; especially of the crow or daw that picks up grain in the fields (German Saatkrähe), Aristophanes av. 232, 579; Aristotle, h. a. 8, 8, p. 592{b}, 28, and other writings. 2. of men: "lounging about the market-place and picking up a subsistence by whatever may chance to fall from the loads of merchandise" (Eustathius on Homer, Odyssey 5, 490 σπερμολογοι. οἱ περί τά ἐμπορία καί ἀγορᾶς διατρίβοντες διά τό ἀναλέγεσθαι τά ἐκ τῶν φορτιων ἐπορρεοντα καί διά ζῆν ἐκ τούτων); hence, beggarly, abject, vile (a parasite); getting a living by flattery and buffoonery, Athen. 3, p. 85 f.; Plutarch, mor., p. 456 d.; a substantive, ὁ σπερμολόγος, an empty talker, babbler (Demosthenes, p. 269, 19; Athen. 8, p. 344 c.): Acts 17:18. From sperma and lego; a seed-picker (as the crow), i.e. (figuratively) a sponger, loafer (specially, a gossip or trifler in talk) -- babbler. see GREEK sperma see GREEK lego |
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